Archaeologists observe, record, categorize, and interpret what they find to answer questions they have about the past.

Most artifacts are deep underground, so archaeologists don't always know where to look. Sometimes they rely on old myths and stories. Other times they use historical maps to see how areas looked in the past. They also use technologies, like radar and sonar, to help determine what is underground.

Before digging, archaeologists take many photos and make maps to record what the work area looks like. Then they divide the area into a grid and track the location of each find. While digging, they must be very careful not to break or ruin artifacts under the soil. When they have cleared enough soil away to remove the artifact, it is cleaned, recorded, and classified. Finally, they analyze all of the information so it can be shared.